Taking care of chest hair can be a challenge for most men, but at the same time, it can also be rewarding.
A well-groomed chest can increase confidence, help in boosting body image and give a refreshing feeling. However, considering the periodic attention that chest grooming requires, many men shy away from taking care of their chest.
But if you have moved past the shy phase and are looking to start your grooming journey, you need not look any further. Keeping in mind that not everybody is the same and not everyone has the same hair growth on their chest, there are different ways and methods one can use to groom your chest.
Before we dive into how to groom chest hair, there are certain things that you need to know.
Things to Do Before Grooming your Chest Hair
Choose the right tools for the job –
Before you get into grooming your chest hair, you will need to make sure that all the required tools are nearby. There are three ways you can groom chest hair and the primary tools required will change depending on the method you choose.
Here are the primary tools required for grooming your chest hair.
- A pair of clippers/body trimmers
- A shaving razor/blade
- Waxing strips
Decide on the style – It is always a good idea to have a plan before going into a full-blown manscaping spree. Deciding beforehand on the length and shape of your chest hair can help you out in managing the entire process more efficiently.
The chest region should always have an organized cut, leaving the trimmed hair to match the growth pattern with the rest of your body. Refrain from leaving your chest hair shabby or uneven, which will, in turn, disrupt the entire aesthetic of your body.
Exfoliate and take a hot shower – Exfoliating before shaving to remove dirt and oily patches is a healthy routine and can make the entire shaving process seamless. Even though it just takes a couple of minutes to exfoliate, most men prefer not including it in their routine, hence, missing an important step. Exfoliating not only cleanses the skin but also makes it less prone to itch after shaving.
Taking a hot shower helps in loosening tense muscles, relaxing your body overall. This helps in loosening up the skin and opening up the pores as well so when the knife is put on the skin to shave hair, there is less resistance. It also prevents any cuts in the skin.
Grooming your Chest Hair
Once you get to know your hair type and decide what you want to do with it, a very important decision comes along. Depending on the previous two steps, you can choose what kind of hair removal technique you want to get rid of your chest hair.
Shave your Chest Hair
Shaving can be a tricky technique as it requires loads of apparatus and can lead to acne or cuts. First of all, keep your body and face razors separate. It is a basic hygiene practice to use different razors depending on the part of the body you’re shaving. Certain steps can prevent accidents and make the process easier:
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Lather yourself with a thick layer of shaving cream/foam and make sure you gently rub in a circular motion and cover the entire chest area.
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Try to avoid old razors. Instead, opt for a fresher one so that it gives a free-flowing movement and leaves smoother skin.
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Approach shaving your chest the same way you would shave your face. Pull the razor in the same direction where your hair points. That will prevent creating sharp angles.
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Moisturizing is an important step that most men tend to either forget or skip totally after shaving. Always moisturize your body part be it face or chest after you’ve put it under the blade.
Ideal razors and blades: Gillette MACH 3 Shaving Razor, LetsShave Pro 6 Plus, Gillette Flexball Pro
Trim your Chest Hair
There are many perks of using a trimmer on your chest than the more standard razor. Firstly, it provides different options of cuts and lengths. It is also safer than the blade and is usually cut free. If you are opting for a trim instead of a full shave, remember to keep all the trimming apparatus on hand:
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Choose an optimum trimmer for the desired hair length you want. Add the length extension if necessary and make sure it has a charged battery.
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If you want to shave off certain parts of your chest or give your entire chest a fade, plan it and start from the sides. Work your way up to the middle. This will give you better control over the overall desired pattern that you are going for.
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Aim for symmetry. Even though you have decided on a specific pattern, make sure that pattern is symmetrical. Asymmetrical chest hair can look weird and out of place.
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Unlike razor blades, trimmers can run in the direction that your hair points. This is largely due to the safety and blunt blade in the trimmer, making it easier to go back right away if you see a missed patch.
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Moisturize your chest once you’ve trimmed it. Apply a lotion of choice generously and divide it equally on the entire chest. This will help keep your chest smooth and aesthetic after the cut.
Ideal trimmers: Gillette STYLER, Philips BG1025/15, Zlade Ballistic Manscaping Body Trimmer
Wax your Chest Hair
Waxing is one of the most looked-down methods of getting rid of chest hair. However, it is also the most effective one and can help in removing the hair efficiently.
There are certain perks of waxing that men can look up to once they look over the pain it causes. Firstly, it is rather a simple procedure and does not take much time. Secondly, waxed chest hair does not grow back as easily as shaved or trimmed hair.
Here are the steps you should consider if you’re going for waxing:
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Waxing will always be painful. There are no two ways about it. That is why it is always better to call either a professional or another person who can at least lend a hand.
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You can buy a full waxing kit from a medical store depending on your skin and chest hair type. Waxing strips are available for every type of skin.
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If you do not want to use market made waxing strips, you can opt for the more traditional waxing method which requires wax beans and wooden chips.
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This will prove to be a more tedious method, however, since you will be required to warm the wax separately then apply it to your chest.
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Waxing leaves almost no hair where it is applied as it snatches the hair from its roots down under the skin. It helps in a much cleaner and aesthetic look and also sustains it for a longer time.
Ideal wax equipment: Veet Hair Removal Cream for Men, Bodycare Chocolate Wax
FAQs
Does waxing cause acne?
Yes, waxing is prone to acne and allergies, which is why it is always recommended to either moisturize your skin with a suitable lotion or apply skin-friendly oil on the area of waxing. If the acne or irritation persists, consult a skin doctor.
Can I use waxing strips around my nipples?
Although it is not much talked about, your nipples and the area around them is much more sensitive and can lead to irritation and even bleeding if not shaved or waxed responsibly. If you slice them with waxing strips, they are bound to bleed. Hence, exercise greater caution when you are around them even while shaving. However, if you still manage to accidentally damage them, it won’t be the end of the world. The skin around your nipple will grow back but the irritation will persist for a long time. If it goes on for months, consult a doctor.
Can I shave my chest like my face?
Shaving your body is easier than shaving your face as the skin around your chest area is denser and harder. You can use your razor much more freely than your face but do not get carried away. Moving the razor too much or too harshly can cause irritation or cuts. Use the blade in an optimum manner.
What should I do after completing my manscaping routine?
Make sure you take a shower (preferably cold) with a good body wash/shampoo after manscaping to remove excessive hair and products that you used during the entire routine. Not doing so can cause irritation or develop allergies.
Is it necessary to learn about manscaping?
If you are not confident enough in your shaving skills, do not go ahead and put your skin under the blade. First, learn all you need to about chest shaving and gather knowledge about the entire process and personal hygiene. Start only when you are confident enough.